Thursday, December 30, 2010

Japan Airlines or more commonly JAL began life in 1951 becoming Japan's national carrier two years later. JAL was fully privatized in 1987.

After years of impressive growth especially on flights to the US, JAL has recently been in financial trouble and filed for bankruptcy protection in January this year amid rumours of possible mergers with other airlines.

JAL absorbed Japan Air System (JAS) in 2002 to become the sixth largest airline in the world in terms of passengers carried.

JAL serves over 160 worldwide destinations and over 50 domestic destinations from its main hubs at Narita, Haneda, Itami (Osaka), KIX (Kansai International Airport) and Chubu International (Centrair) airports.

JAL is a member of the Oneworld alliance and has multiple codeshare flights with other international airlines including British Airways, Finnair, American Airlines and Cathay Pacific.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Oita Castle Park is the site of the former Oita Castle or Funai Castle. The original castle was burnt down by a fire in the mid-18th century and today only the stone walls and moat are original. Some of the turrets (yagura) have been rebuilt after World War II along with the covered bridge over the moat.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Huis Ten Bosch near Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture in Kyushu is a must-see if you are in the area. Huis Ten Bosch (pronounced "House Ten Boss" in Japanese) is an idealized reconstruction of a Dutch town on a grand scale, complete with bicycles, cheese, windmills, canals and Heineken beer.

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Choose either the standard entrance ticket or the more expensive Toku-Toku ticket, which allows entrance to the various rides, museums and elevator to the top of the cathedral (above), which has amazing views out over the coastline.

Visitors can get around Huis Ten Bosch on foot, by rental bicycle (including tandems), cart, canal boat or even Segway!

Other attractions include the beautiful seasonal gardens full of Cosmos when we visited in the fall, a replica of a Dutch Royal Palace, parades and fireworks displays.

Friday, December 24, 2010

If you chose the answer b) Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) then you are correct. Ieyasu is arguably Japan's most powerful and influential historical figure. A contemporary of Queen Elizabeth I and William Shakespeare in England, Ieyasu established the Tokugawa shogunate which was to rule Japan until 1868.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

To a new visitor, Tokyo can be so fast and energetic that it may just pass you by. So, to help make sure you make the most of your trip, here's a list of just a few of Tokyo’s best bits:

(Going anywhere without travel insurance can be very risky so make sure you insure your holiday to Japan first.)

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Once the location of Edo Castle, stronghold of the Tokugawa shogunate, the Imperial Palace is considered by many to be the heart and soul of Tokyo. The Palace became the official seat of the Japanese Imperial Family in 1868, with construction of a new palace complex finishing in 1988. Although the palace buildings and inner gardens aren’t generally open to the public, guided tours are held on 2nd January (New Year’s Greeting) and 23rd December (the Emperor's Birthday).

The Palace's East Gardens are open to the public throughout the year, with the exception of Mondays and Fridays. As well as providing a fascinating insight into Japan's imperial history, the Palace grounds are also home to some spectacular architecture and beautiful scenery.

Mount Fuji

Dominating the Tokyo skyline is Japan's highest mountain, Mount Fuji. Standing at over 12,000 feet tall, Mount Fuji, known affectionately by the locals as Fuji-san, is an active stratovolcano that last erupted just over three hundred years ago. No visit to Tokyo is complete without a visit to one of Japan’s most iconic features.

Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there are opportunities to climb Mount Fuji within the official climbing season from 1st July to the end of August. The Kawaguchiko Trail is one of Mount Fuji's easiest and is even ideal for children and older travellers.

Akihabara

If there's one thing Japan is known around the world for, it's technology. Akihabara, sometimes also known as Akihabara Electric Town, is a perfect example of Japan's love-affair with all things technology. The district, situated right in the heart of Tokyo, is home to a large number of electronics shops, selling everything from the latest TVs and mobile phones to second-hand goods.

Recently, Akihabara has also become a centre for the burgeoning Japanese manga and animation culture. The area now features a number of places inspired by the manga craze, including cosplay (costume play) cafes, where the waitresses dress up like popular anime characters.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The clean and functional rooms come with free internet connection and there are both smoking and smoke-free rooms to choose from. The excellent buffet breakfasts are a feature of all Garden Palace Hotels.

The Garden Palace Hotel in Fukuoka is a short walk from Tenjin Station, which is a short ride on the Kuko Line subway from Hakata Station.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The individually furnished rooms are excellent with lots of modern facilities including flat screen TVs, DVD players, TV Games and even slot machines in some of the rooms. If you tire from your exertions there is a food and drink menu ranging from Omrice to Thai chicken curry for eats and beer and coffee for drinks.

Monday, December 20, 2010

The original Usa-jinja (Tel: 0978 37 0001) in Usa in the Kunisaki Peninsula on Kyushu dates back over 1,000 years to 725 and the shrine is dedicated to Hachiman - the god of war and warriors.

The shrine is the oldest Hachiman shrine in Japan and ranks as one of the most important Shinto shrines in the country, up there with Ise Jingu and Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya.

Hachiman is the deified Emperor Ojin, a legendary Emperor of Japan. Hachiman shrines have now spread throughout Japan from this first shrine in Kyushu. The present shrine buildings date from the mid-nineteenth century.

Usa Shrine has attracted imperial support over its long history and there are now over 40,000 branches shrines of Hachiman all over Japan.

Friday, December 17, 2010

A collection of genuine handmade Japanese flutes used in the ritual and festivals of the Iwami Kagura dance, a dramatic musical ritual that originated in the town of Iwami in Shimane prefecture as an appeasement dance for the Shinto gods.

With its long tradition, simply beauty, and pure tone, let the easy-to-play Iwami Kagura flute bring the magic of ancient Japanese dance music to your own fingers, lips and ears.

Reservations: Not necessary but recommended and appreciated. Just show up to the party!

Over 25,000 Yen worth of exciting prize giveaways each month!

Santa's bringing lots of presents. 10 presents!! A bread maker, a health check scale, bottles of wine and much more! See if Santa brought you anything!!

There will be free food along with free drinks (beers, wine, cocktail drinks and juices).

Our party is not a dinner party, but we will have light food & snacks. Quantities are limited, so please come early! Please free to come alone or bring your friends. EVERYBODY is welcome to join regardless of nationality/gender. Reservation is greatly appreciated. About 125-150+ people are expected to attend. Approximately 55% female and 45% male, 70% Japanese and 30% non-Japanese. Pictures from previous Nagoya Friends Parties.

The Red Rock is located behind the Chunichi Building in the Sakae business/shopping district.

Subway access from Sakae Station (serving the yellow and purple lines) Exit 13. It's a big station connected to a huge underground shopping mall so you'll need to do a little underground walking.

We're also just a couple of minutes' walk from the Tokyu and Precede hotels, and a 10 minute walk up Hirokoji Street from the Hilton Hotel in Fushimi.

Train Directions

From Nagoya Stn. take the Higashiyama Subway line to Sakae Station (GET OFF at Sakae Station!!) Take exit #13 and then walk straight AWAY from Hirokoji-Dori for about 3/4 of a block. TURN LEFT Red Rock is on the right side of the street in the middle of the block. Look for the sign on the sidewalk.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

I was in Roppongi last Friday on my way to Rhythm Rivalry, a very memorable percussion event that was happening at the performance/club space Superdeluxe. (Tokyo events on now)

Passing the Azabu Police Station near Roppongi Hills I noticed a group of photographers - clearly press photographers - waiting in front of it (sitting on left of sidewalk in above photo). The policeman on duty (standing at right with stick) was unfazed by it, and the photographers were in no hurry but looked like they were there for the long haul.

First I thought it may be something to do with the assault on the famous kabuki actor, Ebizo Ichikawa, that had happened about a week before in the same area on November 25; but I saw the same thing this week too: a group of photographers waiting outside Kojimachi Police Station - placing that in some doubt. (More about Kojimachi)

I can only presume that either someone newsworthy was in there and they were waiting for him or her to come out, or that they were hanging around in the hope that that would happen.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The Matsuura Historical Museum (Tel: 0950 22 2236) in Hirado is located in the former residence of the Matsuura clan, who controlled the strategic island from the 11th-19th century.

This interesting museum displays artefacts and family treasures from the Matsuura clan including samurai arms and armor, calligraphy, documents, globes, Dutch ships' figureheads and a palanquin.

The museum also includes a lovely garden with many fine wooden buildings and a Japanese teahouse. Inside the main building of the museum is a cafe decorated with 17th century western furnishing and ceramics and a shop. The Matsuura Historical Museum is located up the hill behind the harbor in Hirado town and is a short walk from the grave of William Adams.

The Haneda Express takes 19 minutes to Haneda Airport Terminal 2 and just 13 minutes to Haneda Airport International Terminal Station from Hamamatsucho Station on the Yamanote Line. Local trains take 18 minutes to Haneda Airport International Terminal Station and Rapid trains 15 minutes.

Friday, December 10, 2010

The Toei-Oedo Subway Line in Tokyo opened in 2000 and is the second-longest linear motor subway line after the Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line in Osaka.

The Toei-Oedo is also one of the most expensive metro lines ever built in Japan and was 10 years in construction. The 40km line loops from Tocho-mae in Shinjuku with an extension from Tocho-mae to Hikarigaoka.

Important stations for connections to other lines include Ueno-Okachimachi, Iidabashi, Daimon, Shinjuku, and Nerima.

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Tokyo, among numerous other Japanese cities, is full of gingko trees (Ginkgo biloba), and autumn in Tokyo is characterized by the vivid yellow of the gingko's fallen leaves, and the distinctive smell (AKA the stench) of its seeds.

Gingko leaves stuck to a wall

The ginkgo is a living fossil, and has no closely related species. Its leaves and nuts are held to have various medicinal properties, some of them ratified by modern science, but many claims having been found to be imaginary.

They lend great character to Japanese streets in fall, as seen by these photos taken last week.

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Kodo's 2010 December Concerts Bring 2010 to a Close with 12 Shows Across 8 Cities Throughout Japan

Since their auspicious debut in 1981 at Berlin Symphonie Hall, Kodo has emerged as Japan's premiere performing arts group, setting the standard for ensemble taiko throughout the world. Touring eight months of the year both domestically and internationally, the group's annual
journey culminates every year in the annual December Concert series. The December Concerts are a chance for Kodo to regroup and review the year past, as well as to debut new material for the year to come.

This year, in addition to the regular opening night on Sado Island and performances in Niigata, Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo, 2010 will also see shows in Ashikaga, Sendai and Yokohama for a total of 12 shows throughout eight cities taking place December 1 through 19.

Artistic Director Mitsuru Ishizuka found his inspiration for this year's December Concerts in the Kodo Rehearsal Hall, a pivotal part of Kodo Village where the group lives and trains. The Rehearsal Hall is the bedrock of creation for Kodo performances and the starting point for the group's vigorous training program. Ishizuka designed this show to capture the atmosphere of this very special place: the enthusiasm, tension, stillness, breath, and fellowship felt between taiko and humans in this hallowed hall.

“The taiko clustered together on the stage, while based on the layout of the Rehearsal Hall, also conjures up the scene of a Japanese shrine,”explains Ishizuka.“People gather at a shrine to sing, dance, and drum so that their prayers may reach the heavens. In the same way, all of us at Kodo gather in our rehearsal hall and on stage day after day, singing, dancing, and playing the drums, in hopes that the sound of the taiko will reach as many people as possible.”

As always, the December Concert program features both classic compositions from the Kodo repertoire that have earned the group an avid following across the globe, and new compositions, such as Stride, written by Ishizuka himself and designed to make use of all of the drums in the group’s arsenal. This piece speaks of the “strides” Kodo has taken to date and the journeys that lie ahead, a perfect metaphor for the December Concerts’ year-end finale shows.

As Kodo turns the corner on three decades of history and the group prepares to enter its 30th anniversary year, the 2010 December Concerts are sure to carry a special celebratory energy and pizazz.

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

If you are a fan of Japanese beer, then a trip to the Kirin Beer Park in Biwajima just one stop on the JR Chuo Line from Nagoya Station might be for you.

Turn right out of Biwajima Station and a regular free bus will ferry you to the brewery.

The rather long-winded tour (in Japanese) introduces the visitor to the main ingredients of beer, plus the history of beer and the production facilities at the Nagoya brewery, which supplies the whole of the Chubu area.

The highlight of the tour is how to learn to pour a perfect glass of Kirin in three easy stages.

Participating on the tour allows the visitor two free draft Kirin beers. There is also a shop and a restaurant on the premises.

Friday, December 03, 2010

In a tale of two towers, I visited both the Tokyo Sky Tree and Tokyo Tower (333m) as the former has surpassed the latter as the highest structure in Japan since March.

The addition of a lightning conductor took the Tokyo Sky Tree Tower to 511m on Wednesday and when it is completed in 2012, the tower will become the world's tallest stand-alone communications tower at 634m.

Construction began on this super modern looking broadcasting tower in July 2008, and completion is scheduled for March/April 2012. But it is touted as more than just a broadcasting tower. It is also a landmark, on which much has been lavished in terms of design and technological expertise.

And it is also a "town with a tower," to become a 3 hectare complex that includes commercial, academic, and museum facilities, including a high rise building. The two observatories, one at 350m, the second at 450m, will include restaurants and shops.

Thursday, December 02, 2010

In an attempt to draw in customers to the impressive Shimabara Castle staff are performing a funky dance routine outside the main entrance.

Dressed in Edo Period (1600-1868) costume, a ninja and samurai are among the cast of line dancers.

Shimabara Castle is the Kyushu port town's main attraction and well worth a visit.

The present Shimabara Castle is a 33m-tall, five storey, ferro-concrete structure re-built in the style of the original 17th century castle in 1964. Various yagura (towers) were restored at various times in the 1960s and 70s.

The castle has an excellent museum inside detailing the Shimabara Rebellion and exhibits from the areas's Kakure Kirishitan ("Hidden Christians") culture.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Japan has its own native species of monkey, the Macaca fuscata, commonly known as the Japanese macaque, or, in Japanese, the nihonzaru ("Japan monkey"). A subspecies, the Macaca fuscata yakui, is confined to the island of Yakushima.

Japanese macaques are 50-60cm in body length and weigh about 11kg. They range in color from yellowish brown, to brown, to gray. They have a pink face and a short stumpy tail.

Males and females of the species are distinguished by several traits such as size, the males being a little bigger; lifespan, the males living 5 or 6 times longer than the females, who usually live only about 6 years; and habitat, the males being ground-based while the females are tree-based.

The estimated nationwide population of the Japanese macaque is one million. They are found in almost every part of Japan except Hokkaido.

Japanese macaques are not endangered, being on the "least concern" end of the endangered scale. They have natural predators such as dogs, raccoon dogs and hawks. They are also hunted when they threaten human crops. An estimated 100,000 are killed every year.

Because of their pest value, feeding monkeys in Japan is strongly discouraged. The above photo is a sign in the resort town of Hakone, and says えづけ禁止 or "Feeding prohibited."